FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT HIDESIGN - PAGE 3

BENGALURU: The terminal one (T1) at the Kempegowda International Airport is set to sport a trendy look by October - four years after Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) started the work on the project. As part of this face-lift, the airport will also be hosting new brands in food and beverages, cosmetics, etc. A new kids' play area will also come up at the domestic waiting area. "Through our efforts to bring meaning and purpose, along with the efficiency and customer-friendliness that the traveller expects, we will soon realise our vision to be the 'Gateway to South India'," said GV Sanjay Reddy , managing director at BIAL . The expansion undertaken was for the east and the west of T1, and renovation of the center portion is aimed at a seamless integration of design through the entire terminal.With an investment of about '1,500 crore, T1 was designed by HOK, a US-based engineering and interior design firm.

NEW DELHI: The Indian outsourcing story, hitherto limited to IT/ITeS, just got a brand edge. Well, make it a price warrior 'luxury' brand. The world's largest luxury goods marketer, Paris-based $17-billion Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) is eyeing India in order to take on competition in its third biggest market, Japan. The French luxury behemoth, which is in the process of picking a 20% equity stake in Puducherry-based leather goods manufacturer, Hidesign, plans to position the Indian brand against its nearest competitor, an American handbag & accessories brand ?

Senior home ministry bureaucrats and DGPs of state police forces were pleasantly surprised at the recent DGP conference held in the Capital, after they all were given branded handbags of Hidesign , costing nearly Rs 9000 each. Nearly 200 such bags were distributed, which burnt a considerable hole in the IB's pocket in these times of austerity .

NEW DELHI: India's online luxury market is expected to touch USD 35 billion by 2016 on account of rising disposable incomes and expansion of modern retailing, according to Assocham . In 2012, the market size was $8 billion, it said adding luxury shoppers are well-connected digitally and it becomes easier for brands to showcase their products. "Indian online luxury market may touch $35 billion mark by 2016...due to rise in disposable incomes, expansion of modern retailing and influence of western culture," it said in a statement.

When he is not crafting leather, he enjoys living up his adventurous side by snorkelling in the Andamans. "It's my favourite destination," he says. But it's not just the beaches that keep Dilip Kapur , president of leading leather goods brand Hidesign, interested. Simpler things such as going for long walks fascinate him. "I live in the middle of the forest. I love connecting with nature," says Kapur. He stays in Auroville in Pondicherry. He likes it simple.

From a small operation run from the terrace of his house to getting luxury brand Louis Vuitton (LV) as an investor, it has been a long journey for Dilip Kapur and his leather accessories firm Hidesign. There have been a few changes along the way, more factories, more outlets, more countries but the underlying philosophy has been the same, emphasis on design, utility and craftsmanship, and most importantly, keeping it natural. It was this philosophy that won the luxury brand over to Hidesign.

BANGALORE/NEW DELHI: Didn't we say India rocks the world? The venerable French luxury goods giant Louis Vuitton, part of the $17-billion Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) group, is setting up its first manufacturing plant in Asia at Pondicherry through a joint venture, sources said. LV ? best known for its expensive and edgy bags ? has identified the Dilip Kapur-owned Hidesign, the domestic high-end leather goods brand, as its JV partner. The greenfield venture, likely to be a 50:50 JV, is expected to come up in a 30-acre plot in the Union territory.

Limited Awe Vertu launched special edition handsets ? Vertu Constellation Rococo and Vertu Constellation Monogram collection. The Rococo collection is available in noir, scarlet, ivory and sapphire shades and the Monogram collection is available in five variants. Elegance Personified Egana India launched new collection from Pierre Cardin swiss. The range include Rectangle Homme, Harlequin and Tonneau for men and women. Festive Cheer Vividha kids furnishings launched new product range for the festive season.

Give or take a few hours from now, you can go laughing to your bank. As you shift restlessly in the sun, you ponder on the implications of simply ejecting the not-so-svelte auntyji from the cool climes of the ATM kiosk. As she fumbles with the notes, your mind takes off on that brand new blue Apple Ipod you saw on Amazon.com the other day...maybe if you ordered now, you could show it off at the dussera do your Boss would allow you to have at his Mehrauli farmhouse...Oo, la, la! Today, you feel like Shah Rukh Khan.

Far-out destination: My all time favourite is Afghanistan, with its wild scenery and people out of this world and time (The middle ages?) Next come Brazil and the Amazon. The family's all-time favourite, though, is Havelock Island in the Andamans. Bon Vivant moment: Has to be dinner in the Chianti area of Tuscany. Great wine, great food with all the truffle in the world. Emptied pockets on: A Japanese dinner at the oldest Japanese restaurant in Japan in Kyoto that cost me over $900 per person ?